Help please! headlamp problem on 997

[Roundm]

Hi

Ok, before you all think I am a dummy, I am aware of the tool in the toolkit to remove the headlamp assembly on a 997.

and it works on the left headlamp, however on the right hand unit some complete twazzock has snapped the hex head of the end of the locking bar - so there is nothing for the tool to engage with.

short of removing front wing - has anyone any ideas on how I might be able to get the headlamp unit out ?

Mark

[Paynewright]

On mine I found the tool just turned around so used a deep 1/4 drive 5mm socket which worked fine. Worth a try.

[Roundm]

I can see how that might help - if the end was mangled somewhat - unfortunately I can see the end of the link and some twazzock has snapped the hex off completely

I have replacement arms (they are called a 'clamping bow' part num 99763127301) but need to get the headlamp out of the way first!

[Paynewright]

Worth a try with a socket.

Alternative may be to bore out a piece of metal rod and epoxy / chemical metal it onto the bow?

I'll keep thinking!!

Ian

[MrJingles705]

Roundm said:

short of removing front wing - has anyone any ideas on how I might be able to get the headlamp unit out ?

Bad situation to be in

1) Is there enough to grab hold of it with pin nose pliers or similar?
2) Is there enough of a 'stub' left to be able to notch it (carefully)? basically turn it into a giant slot head screw?

If 1 or 2 you might be able to get enough torque into it to release it.

Alternatively, rather than drop the wing off, jack up, remove wheel, and remove wheel arch liner (plastic pop rivets) and you should be able to access the light mounting base plate from the rear.

You might not get the access you need still, even doing that - but I'd try that first to avoid the issues with panel alignment etc.

[MrJingles705]

I wonder if a piece of bent wire, gently fed under the headlight and then rotated, could be used to 'tug' it? you could use the other side of the car to judge how far to feed the wire in and mark it up so you know you'd be on target?

[Pope]

As previously mentioned; wheel off, liner down, push the lamp out.

[Roundm]

Thanks all,

To those suggesting needle pliers, slotting or similar the issue is leverage - the bow is about 10cm down a narrow hole, so I find it almost impossible to get any tools in there that can give any strength applied to what’s left.

I’ve been searching all over and the best ideas I’ve received have been the wheel liner out - possibly undo the plastic base that the headlamp mounts to (3 bolts apparently) remove the headlamp with the mount still attached and then dismantle.

The other idea was to see if you could access anything through the indicator cutout in the wing ( can you get the to the other end of the bow and pull it free)

Anyway - I’m going to give it a go at the weekend and see how I get on.

Thanks to all who made a suggestion

[GuitarPlayer63]

Definitely wheel off, liner down and into the back of the headlight - I watched the Porsche Assist (okay, the AA) bloke pull the liner down without removing the wheel to get into the boot (keys were handily locked into it) - and the light assembly is visible.

good luck!